Down

Artorias blinked in surprise while Sota explained the reason behind his inclination to bow at their every interaction, suddenly feeling more than a little embarrassed himself. Of course, why hadn't he thought of it as a cultural thing?! He'd just assumed Sota did it for reasons he'd seen other wolves around Boreas and Auster do it. How ethnocentric of him! But before Artorias could apologize, Sota was already laughing it off, which made the young alpha relax again and snicker along with his pack mate. At least he hadn't offended Sota—or it didn't seem like he had.

The miniature lupine was chipper and eager to answer his question, though his answer was shockingly more normal than Artorias had been expecting. He'd been a patient of the Hallows—likely their first—and had been so moved by the purpose of the pack that he simply stayed. Artorias didn't need to wonder why he had stayed for long, as Sota was happy to explain that the Hallows was the first place he felt like he belonged. The corners of Art's lips twitched upward into a small smile, touched by the smaller wolf's heartfelt words about the pack and the life his mother had built. "That's a really sweet story, Sota," he replied with earnest emotion in his voice. "I'm glad you chose to stay. You remind me of why this is worth all the effort."

Rising to his paws, Artorias stretched out his large body and shook out his fur. "Um, if you don't mind, will you tell me more about your homeland and culture?" he asked, trying not to embarrass himself too much. This wasn't even about saving face; this was a genuine interest to learn more about a wolf in his family. "If bowing is an important part of who you are, I'd like to know more about it. Maybe I can make an exception to the bowing thing for you... Maybe." He flashed his teeth in a smile and chuckled, ready for a lesson and demonstration.

"Artorias Carpathius" | "Carpathian" | "Corbin" | "Argent"